Liverpool Hold Talks with Lazio Defender Over Free Transfer – Report

Reds are chasing Diakite but Sahin could be on his way out

Liverpool have held advanced talks with Lazio defender Modibo Diakite who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The central defender is reported to be in discussions with Liverpool about signing a pre-contract agreement that would see him move to the club in the summer when his contract with Lazio expires.

Modibo Diakite is out of contract at the end of the season [Reuters]

The Metro has reported that Diakite is currently in his second round of negotiations with the Premier League side as he attempts to way up his options and perhaps play outside of Italy for the first time in his professional career.

Diakite began his career at Serie B side Pescara before joining Lazio in the summer of 2006 where he has managed to establish himself in the first team and last season helped the club qualify for the Europa League.

This season he has been unable to make an impact as a serious shin injury has limited him to just one appearance for the club.

There are reports that Lazio will attempt to offer him a new deal but the 25-year-old is in a powerful position and will be able to look at his options over the coming month.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is aware that Jamie Carragher is coming towards the end of his playing career and his appearances in the first team have become more and more limited.

Diakite could be the solution as he will not cost the club a transfer fee which will enable Liverpool to offer a significant signing on fee and wages.

While the French-born defender could be arriving in the summer there are question marks over who long Nuri Sahin will remain at the club.

The midfielder is on a season-long loan from Real Madrid but has struggled to make an impact in the first team and there are reports in German newspaper Bild suggesting that Borussia Dortmund would like to bring him back to the Bundesliga.

Sahin is desperate to find regular first team football after being completely overlooked at Madrid and may be interested in joining a club with which he previously enjoyed plenty of success.